No matter what age you are, hydration remains the essential solid foundation for great skin – making this set of three essential hydrators an absolute prize. The deal clincher – it also comes with a complimentary limited-edition pouch.

WHAT’S INSIDE:

PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO:

– Have skin so dehydrated, they think it’s oily
– Have legit, dry skin
– Frequently complain they can never find a good aloe gel that’s made up of 99% stabilized Aloe Vera
– Have pimples and who can’t find a good spot treatment that also hydrates while zapping zits and that also balances sebum and that also feels featherlight on skin and that also…
– Want a moisturizer that hydrates while providing bursts of antioxidants for brightening and protection from free radicals
– Love natural ingredients like aloe vera, peach, mountain pepper, peony, lemon verbena, tea tree oil…
– Are men who need that extra bit of TLC post-shave
– Are all of the above

Also the definitive SOS kit for acne-afflicted complexions, this bundle contains what Porcelain fans consider as the go-to stars when hormones go haywire, and acne rears its many ugly heads. Ridding skin of p.acnes bacteria and excess sebum while keeping hydration levels up is key.

WHAT’S INSIDE:

PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO:

– Zit-prone people
– Have combination-oily skin, including and especially men who are more prone to these skin types
– Are in need of controlling excess shine
– Need a gentle, exfoliating toner that contains mild AHAs, and that hydrates while providing bursts of antioxidants for brightening and protection from free radicals
– Love natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, sage, cucumber, tea tree oil, soybean extracts…
– Who are men, especially the ones who believe that they deserve good skin too

WHAT’S INSIDE:

PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO:

– Party a lot
– Are very busy
– Have skin so dehydrated, they think it’s oily
– Have legit, dry skin
– Frequently complain they can never find a good face mask that adheres well to their faces
– Suffer from tired, lined eyes
– Love value for money and serums in equal parts: this mask comes with 30ml of serum which you can squeeze into a 5ml dropper bottle we include with every set!
– Live for multiple-functional gadgets: The Natural Skin Refiner acts as an exfoliator-cum-mask
– Want a mask that hydrates while providing bursts of antioxidants for brightening and protection from free radicals
– Are women, especially mothers, grandmothers, wives and daughters — show them it’s okay to take a break!
– Are men, especially the ones who believe that they deserve good skin too

$99 (U.P. $198)

* Buy any 2 sets with a total value of over $200 and get 1x Porcelain pouch + 1x tin of Porcelain Aurelie tea. The Triple Moisture Kit automatically comes with one of both.

Have you met Aurelie? She’s the latest thing to hit our shelves this Christmas — a classy silver needle white tea speckled with gold dust, and an aromatic mix of neroli, bergamot, jasmine, peach and apricot thrown in for good measure. Whether it’s brewed in a pitcher or teapot? Elegance to the highest degree. With her light, refreshing scent and taste, it’s easy to fall in love with her as swiftly as we did with her name (which we decreed after having the first sip).

A practical fun fact: Aurelie comes high in antioxidants and polyphenols (great for anti-inflammation), reduces cholesterol levels and helps with digestion.

AURELIE — PORCELAIN’S BESPOKE SILVER NEEDLE WHITE TEA

Silver Needle is the holy grail in the world of white tea, with distinctive straight needle-like buds and tips that are usually covered in a fine, white downy hair. Beautiful — and also expensive.

The reason for the almost exorbitant price tag? The harvesting process is tedious, time-consuming and requires utmost care. Only young, unopened tea buds can be plucked. At the time of harvesting, the stems are picked as well to prevent damage to the delicate buds, and only at the factory are these removed. Due to this intensive and painstaking SOP, even the most expert tea gatherer can only pick about 500g each day. And after processing, only 100g is left.

So… Who Made Aurelie?

Our dear friends at Gryphon Tea.

So… Why Aurelie?

They understand our mission for healthiness from within. We are first and foremost a skincare provider, but we don’t believe that good skin starts and ends with just good skincare habits. Clear, radiant skin is a culmination of not just that, but a holistic sum of parts, including your diet, lifestyle, sleeping habits, etc.

And the only thing we love more than hydration is antioxidants. These protect against free radicals which damage our skin by destroying skin cells, DNA, and collagen production… in other words, they cause visible ageing: wrinkles, sagging, and roughness.

Heat water and pour some into your teapot and cups to warm them.
Cold tea ware will cool your tea’s temperature too much and spoil the perfect brew.

Steep around 3 to 5 minutes for the perfect infusion. We suggest a glass teapot precisely to watch the buds dance around with the gold dust — it’s a more than pretty sight!
White tea takes longer to infuse due to its delicate nature. If you prefer an even subtler taste, infuse it for a shorter time.

Silver needle buds may be re-infused up to thrice. With each additional time, you might need to add a minute to the steeping time. Experiment and have fun!

Everyone talks about the pregnancy glow. Less talked about are the nasties: Zits like back when you were in high school. Dry, flaky skin even when you don’t usually have dry, flaky skin. Days out on the beach are days long gone because — is that another dark mark on your face? We ask you to calm down though — these are all perfectly normal pregnancy skincare skintuations that many women like you face… and there are remedies.

Credit: Josh Bean

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #1: ACNE(WHEN I WAS 13, I HAD MY FIRST LOVE ZIT)

Being a teenager was nothing without bouts of breakouts… but when you’re 30 and pregnant? You might almost wish you weren’t having a baby bump. Pregnancy hormones can send your oil glands into overdrive, creating a breeding ground for acne. Worse, androgen (a male sex hormone) increases during pregnancy, further increasing sebum production, clogging, blackheads and finally, pimples.

The cruellest joke ever? The acne products you used to use are unsafe while you’re pregnant because of the chemicals. Minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline and Accutane, are definitely no-gos as they can cause birth defects. Then, it’s best to stay away from ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid too, since these can enter the bloodstream. Most products are not actually pregnancy-tested…

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Your skin will most likely clear up after pregnancy. In the meantime, here are some quick tips.

Skin Hacks: DON’T SQUEEZE. DON’T PICK. DON’T TOUCH. Opt for ingredients like lactic acid, tea tree oil or sulfur. See a doctor if you’re really sick of the acne that seems persistent and widespread. Instead, cleanse face with a mild, hydrating cleanser. If necessary, use steam to clear clogged pores. Look for non-comedogenic / water-based skincare products as these don’t aggravate oily, acneic skin. Also, contrary to popular belief, you CAN go for facials while pregnant — watch out for the next NannyPrincess Pregnancy Diaries post on this!

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #2: DRY SKIN

Damned hormones. Where you once had smooth, glowing skin, you’re now left with a dryness that doesn’t seem to stop itching.

Why?

It’s really many factors that play a part: More moisture is channelled to care for your baby, thus leaving you high and dry. With the little one inside you, your body temperature also tends to rise, thus literally getting you more hot-headed, stressed and itchy, thus triggering dry skin.

Credit: Juliana Arruda

And the biggest contender (again): hormones. Oddly, those can’t seem to make up their mind between producing too much or too little sebum. Too little oil? You’re facing dryness and decreased elasticity. Too much? What else to do but to keep washing your face, right? Wrong. Washing your face too frequently can actually dehydrate the skin even more.

Skin Hacks: Water — lots of it. Aim for 12 cups a day. Hydrating lotions for milder cases; prescription treatments for severe ones. Warm (not hot!), comforting showers (and oatmeal baths, we hear) work wonders to calm your spirits and skin but don’t spend too long in there or your natural oils will start depleting. Get a humidifier for the bedroom. And our final, favourite trick: Get a high-grade, ultra-hydrating serum loaded with hyaluronic acid to quench your skin’s thirst.

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #3: INCREASED SENSITIVITY(YOUR SKIN IS BEING A BIGGER BABY THAN THE ACTUAL BABY)

As if acne and dry skin weren’t painful enough, your skin might be literally… in pain. The usual facials you go for might verge on painful, your face seems to get red more easily when you’re exfoliating, and your favourite scented lotion is now sitting on its lonesome on your dresser. Your skin is being a total baby.

Why?

… You guessed it. Hormones.

Skin Hacks: Gentle is the name of the game. Swap out scrubs (both for the face and body) for a loofah or a soft, textured washcloth. Switching to unscented / natural lotions and body washes could also help. Apply calamine lotion on itchy spots. Shun products that are heavy with additives, dyes, and / or fragrances, all of which can exacerbate the situation. When in doubt, always check in with your dermatologist, pharmacist or doctor.

“You certainly don’t want anything causing micro-tears on your skin… the more cuts and wounds on your skin, the easier it is for chemicals to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Ingredients to stay away from in soaps and body washes include triclosan, parabens and fragrance.”

| Melissa Schweiger, coauthor of Belli Beautiful: The Essential Guide to the Safest Health and Beauty Products for Pregnancy, Mom, and Baby

Aside from causing hormones to go a little (a lot?) out of whack, pregnancy also increases melanin production. Melanin is responsible for darkening of the skin, and you might be victim to dark patches.

The sun you used to love? That love might be long gone at this point. But it won’t be for ever… the melasma (another name for this pigmentation conundrum) usually fades after pregnancy.

Skin Hacks: If you weren’t religious about sunscreen before, it’s time to start now. An SPF of at least 25 to 30 would do half the trick; the other half would be for you to stay indoors as much as possible to reduce sun exposure. Physical and mineral sunblocks are your safest bets, as chemical sunscreens can irritate your sensitive skin + have potential risks. In more specific words, opt for protection that comes with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

PREGNANCY SKINCARE WOE #5: STRETCH MARKS(YOU TIGRESS WHO BROUGHT LIFE TO THIS WORLD)

Credit: Chayene Rafaela

A good 50 – 90% of women get these in pregnancy. It isn’t curious—anytime a body grows at a rate at which the body can’t keep up with, these tiger stripes appear. These tend to come fastest in the final trimester when your baby grows the most.

“For most people, whether or not they get stretch marks has to do with genetic predisposition.”

| Glenn Kolansky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist

While there isn’t much you can do to prevent it, there are ways to reduce the risks of developing them (too much), including controlling your weight. Staying hydrated (at least 12 cups of water a day), and eating a healthy and balanced diet (think antioxidants, vitamins, leafies, fatty acids).

Skin Hacks: Thoroughly moisturize, especially areas which are most prone to these marks. These include your belly, boobs, stomach, hips and thighs.

The health benefits of high-quality rest have been well-documented: improved memory, boosted immune system, and better state of mind are just some of the gifts of a good night’s sleep. Sleep’s effects on beauty, particularly on skin, however, should not be understated. Read on for the science behind beauty sleep, and how to wake up to better skin!

Credit: Zohre Nemati

Your Body Works While You Snooze

While you sleep, your body cleans its systems, leaving it hydrated and refreshed. This means that oil and dirt built up in your pores can be naturally flushed, and your skin moisturized, while you’re snoozing.

Sleep also lowers stress levels which can reduce inflammation and redness of the skin. Inadequate rest can lead to an overabundance of the stress hormone, cortisol, which can clog pores and cause acne. Similarly, this process can prevent signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots.

Firmer, more youthful-looking skin is another product of good sleep. While resting, your body rebuilds its cells as well as its collagen and elastin, leaving your skin plump and smooth.

How to Use Bedtime to Your Advantage

Make sure your nightly routine sets your skin up for a rejuvenating night’s sleep. After brushing and flossing, it’s important to also take a few steps to look after your skin. Start with a cleanser, like the Soothe – Hydro Cleanser to moisturize and gently clear your face of bacteria. Then, a exfoliator, toner and serum can help further protect your skin before crawling into bed.

You should also try sleeping with an eye mask for double benefits at night. Firstly, it can help block out distractions that might keep you up. The human brain sleeps best in the dark and far away from artificial light, so a mask that darkens the room can improve your sleep, and thus, your skin. Secondly, a frozen eye mask can significantly lessen the appearance of dark circles and bags under your eyes.

Your bedding can also make a huge impact on your sleep and skin. Try to use a foam mattress with airflow to prevent sweating, and a clean pillowcase to clear the oil from your face while you toss and turn. Bedding changes like these will not only ensure that you get a higher-quality sleep, but that you’re taking care of your skin too.

Credits: Jan Zhukov

The Bottom Line

Oily, dry or somewhere in between, your skin deserves the best. Try out some of our suggestions, or adapt them to meet your own needs to get the most out of your sleepy time skin care. The key is to simply do whatever you can to improve your sleep and its impact on your skin.

Recently on our Dear Pauline column, we got a couple of people asking how long they should be spending on their skincare routine. They have no time. They’re too busy. They’re too tired. They can’t be fussed! And I completely understand.

And honestly? It really doesn’t take much. 10 minutes are all you need. And if you’re really in a rush, 5 can work as well. It’s about the time you take, the products used, and then how they are used. But skincare has now become a form of winding down for me. Precious, slow me time.

But okay, I get that some of you like to always be. On. The. Go. Get. Things. Done. Onwards, you time-starved!